Frank Abbott Newton, 89
Frank Abbott Newton, of Dover, Delaware, left this world on May 30 to rejoin his loving wife Mavis Aronson Newton who predeceased him in 2017.
He was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 7, 1934 to Arthur Abbott Newton and Lavern (nee Meyer) Newton. After graduating from Bowen High School in 1952, he attended Augustana Lutheran College in Rock Island, Illinois and subsequently received admittance to the United States Air Force officers training school, then located in Enid, Oklahoma. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant on Aug 1, 1955 and married Mavis the next day on Aug 2.
Frank led a life of consistent and unfailing service to our country and to his community. Frank was also an active parishioner at St. John's Lutheran Church, participated regularly in prayer groups, and was active with Stephen Ministries.
During his 22 years as an Air Force pilot, his command assignments were many and included Dover, Oklahoma, London, Madrid, Istanbul, and Ankara, Turkey. These early international years were exciting for the young couple who developed and broadened their tastes for art, architecture, and the cooking of interesting foods not typically found back home. He retired as a lieutenant colonel from the Air Force, having received two Air Medals, a Bronze Star, and, for his service during the Vietnam War, the Air Force's highest honor, the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Frank and Mavis first came to Dover in 1962. Upon returning from international assignments, they settled permanently in Dover in 1975 with military retirement in 1976. Frank went on to hold positions as Vice President of Draper King Cole and as Deputy State Treasure of the State of Delaware under Janet C. Rzewnicki.
Frank's devotion to community service was expansive to say the least and a model for people everywhere. In a quote from 1996, he credits his wife Mavis as his inspiration to become deeply involved in community service. "She has taught me as much about giving as anyone has," he said at the time. "I do these things because I'm not looking for kudos. One of the real comforts in life is what you get from giving to others. That is very rewarding."
Frank, along with Mavis, were driving forces for good with multiple local organizations. For decades, Frank contributed to the welfare of animals by serving on the board and in leadership positions for the First State Animal Center and SPCA. Anyone who knew Frank knew of his love for animals. He and Mavis had many beloved pets over the years including Lisa, Christina, Megan, Sarah Louise, Desiree, Pasha, Peer Gynt, Kirby, Spencer, Jenny Lind, Ginger, Martha Jean, Dorcas Anne, Trent, Jackson, Clara and others.
As evidence that Frank and Mavis were an amazing volunteering team, they were both recipients (though at different times) of the Lammot duPont Memorial Award, the highest honor bestowed by the American Red Cross of Delaware, recognizing "outstanding and devoted volunteer service to the community at large and through the Red Cross." When Frank received his award in 1996, at the time, the Red Cross commented that "their time is 99 percent outwardly directed to other people and creatures. Neither does anything without the support of the other. They complement and support each other." What a wonderful way to live and give!
There were other organizations that benefited from his time and inspiration including the Rotary Club, Easterseals of Del-Mar, as Chairman of the United States 1996 Olympic Gala Fundraising, Kalmar Nyckel, the John Dickinson Mansion, Luther Towers of Dover, and others.
Frank was highly active in local and state politics throughout his life most often as a booster and fundraiser for dozens of candidates over the years. However, he also held elected office as the Mayor of Slaughter Beach, Delaware for 11 years.
Frank is survived by his sister Joyce Newton Collins of Monroe, Michigan.
Visitation, a service, burial, and reception will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Visitation starts at 10 a.m. St. John's Lutheran Church, 113 Lotus St, Dover, DE 19901. The Service starts at 11 a.m. at the church and can also be viewed online (go to SJLdover.com and click on the "Worship Livestream" area). Burial, following the service, will be at Barrett's Chapel Cemetery, 6362 Bay Rd., Frederica DE. A reception with light refreshments will be held following the burial at St. John's Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to: First State Animal Center and SPCA, 32 Shelter Circle, Camden, DE 19934 or online at https://www.fsac-spca.org